
May 12, 2025 – History of the Heartland and the Lincoln Square Theater are hosting an Open House at the Theater on Tuesday, May 13 from 5pm to 7pm.
This will be the first in-person event during the annual Historic Preservation Week. Tourists will get a look at the renovations at Decatur’s historic Lincoln Square Theater. The theater is located at 141 North Main Street.
A group of volunteers took possession of the Theater in 2020. They have cleaned, painted, had a new roof installed, renovated and rejuvenated the theater. The theater originally opened in 1916 and was designed by Aschauer & Waggoner, a local architectural firm.
The repurposed venue hosted its first event in 2021. In 2023, History of the Heartland presented the theater with their historic preservation award. “The dedication of LaVelle Hunt, Mark Scranton, community partnerships and community volunteers is what it takes to get a project like this to the finish line! History of the Heartland has enjoyed watching the renovations take place,” says Bret Robertson, chairman of History of the Heartland.
The theater has a new concessions area complete with new state-of-the-art pizza ovens. During the open house free popcorn and samples of their new pizza will be given out.
The group continues to raise funds for the renovations. There will be a concert poster sale with collector grade vinyl posters during the open house on Tuesday, May 13th.
“This is an opportunity for supporters to get something cool for your collection and contribute to the future renovation projects at the Lincoln! All proceeds and donations collected during the open house will go to future renovation projects,” says Ayn Owens, founder of History of the Heartland.
For more information about the event, follow History of the Heartland or Lincoln Square Theater on facebook.